2007 End of Year Update

Dear Friend:

I am writing to share the good news of this past year.

Projects of Hope continues to be a grassroots effort that is creating life changes in Kenya. 30 children are now attending school (an increase of 9 students from the previous year). The youth we support include: 1 toddler with disabilities who attends a special needs orphanage, 11 students at the Primary School level, 17 at the Secondary School level, and 1 student at the vocational level.

Amazingly, for approximately $200 per child, the following life-affirming resources were provided-resources which, due to extreme poverty, would have otherwise been unavailable to the students.

School Scholarships to cover fees and Exam Fee Payments

School Books/School Supplies

Tutoring

Lunch Meals 5 days a week

School Uniforms

Group Guidance work

Extra support with daily living needs for orphans

Special projects outside the Education Initiative included building a home for a widow whose home was in disrepair and providing Outpatient Healthcare for all Projects of Hope Students and Yote Yawezekana Women's Group members. Mosquito nets were distributed for malaria prevention.

The Maize Growing Initiative showed positive rewards for the women of Yote Yawezekana Women's Group from the food they stored last year. They were able to feed their families during the summer months-when food is scarce-and also sell some of the dried maize for profit.

The Women's Group has been particularly industrious in initiating a Poultry Raising project through sharing of personal resources amongst the group. This is important in providing a protein source for families, especially family members who have HIV.

Sadly, several of the members of Yote Yawezekana have passed away this year from illness and AIDS. They remain with us in spirit and memory and the group's continued good work honors the memories of these sisters.

Your gifts make a significant difference in the lives of children and widows impacted by extreme poverty and HIV. In May, I was able to visit the homes of all the women of Yote Yawezekana, and meet with each of the children and visit their schools. The outpouring of gratitude was extraordinary and heart warming–I could have filled my suitcase with the eggs and tomatoes people offered from their livelihood, in thanks. I extend their deep gratitude to you and thank you for sharing what you have with your friends in Kenya. Your continued sponsorship is needed and welcomed.

A gift of $200 will send a child to school for a whole year. The new school year begins in January 2008.

A gift of any amount, from $1-$100 will go far in meeting the tuition needs of these beautiful kids who want to grow and learn.

A gift of $50 will support the outpatient healthcare needs of women with HIV and children living in poverty.

Sincerely,

Shanna Branciforte

Please make your gift payable to: "The Foundation for Sustainable Development" with *Projects of Hope* written in the memo portion and send to:

Projects of Hope
53 East Main Street
LeRoy, NY 14482 

A photo gift card will be sent to each person (and address) you list  “in honor of…” or alternatively,  you will receive the gift cards for you to give personally. Please specify your preference for gift acknowledgement and number of cards you need.